FAA Reduces Flights at 40 U.S. Airports: Impact on Canadian Travellers
Some Canadians traveling to the United States are likely to face cancelled or delayed flights as the ongoing U.S. government shutdown strains the nation’s aviation system. Travellers heading south in the coming days are advised to verify their flight statuses before departure.
Although international flights are excluded from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) plan to cut air traffic by 10 percent across 40 of the busiest U.S. airports, ripple effects from the shutdown may still lead to disruptions for Canadian passengers.
Scope of Flight Reductions
On Wednesday, the FAA announced that it would reduce flights by up to 10 percent at 40 airports, including major hubs in cities such as New York and Chicago. The reductions will begin at four percent on Friday and increase to 10 percent by November, affecting all commercial carriers.
Reason for the Cuts
The FAA stated that the measures aim to maintain travel safety. Many air traffic controllers are working without pay and showing signs of fatigue as the federal shutdown extends into its record-breaking 37th day.
"Due to a lapse in funding, the FAA is not responding to routine media inquiries."
CBC News contacted the FAA and the U.S. Department of Transportation for comment but has not yet received a reply.
Affected Airports
- New York City
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- Several other major U.S. hubs
Travellers should anticipate possible changes and monitor airline updates throughout the duration of the shutdown.
Author’s Summary
The FAA’s 10% flight reduction at 40 major U.S. airports may indirectly impact Canadian travellers as the prolonged government shutdown causes cascading flight delays and cancellations.